If I were going to get snowbound for an evening, the delightfully intimate Bistro Bobette at 1209 E. Cary St. would definitely be high on my list. The sophisticated décor, featuring brick interior walls and low lighting, contribute to an off-the-beaten-path feel of the place. The warmly hospitable duo of bar manager, Olivier Coune (perhaps, I should say Monsieur Coune), and general manager, Erin Suiter, came up with the perfect denouement for our evening of winter cocktails.

Buckhead's Maple Old Fashioned

1 ounce Maple Syrup

1 ½ – 2 ounces bourbon

3 dashes Angostura bitters

Juice of 1 to 2 slices of orange

Stir, add ice and garnish with an orange twist.

Buckhead's Restaurant and Chophouse

Next, we head out to the burbs for one of the West End’s most popular and storied dining spots, Buckhead’s Restaurant and Chophouse at 8510 Patterson Ave. Private dining director, Heather Mitchell, personally prepared Buckhead’s wintry entry for our search…the Maple Old Fashioned. “As fall approaches, many begin to enjoy more bourbon-based drinks because bourbon warms you up,” says Mitchell. “Adding the maple syrup gives it that fall-holiday feel.”

The dark-paneled wood in the bar and on the walls helps give Buckhead’s that warm feel, as well. Actually, no matter where you enjoy your drink in this gorgeous restaurant, you will be mesmerized by the atmosphere.

Hondo's Prime Steakhouse - Hondo Millionaire

Baileys Irish Cream

Kahlúa Liqueur

Frangelico

Top with coffee and whipped cream.

Drizzle with chocolate syrup.

Hondo's Prime Steakhouse

No quest for coziness could be complete without a visit to Hondo’s Prime Steakhouse at 4120 Cox Road. If you haven’t visited this popular Innsbrook steakhouse recently, check out the new digs just down the street. For starters, the new bar is even more inviting. It has a more sophisticated and intimate feel. At least that’s one man’s opinion (mine).

Marketing manager, Toni Peebles, served up the Hondo Millionaire. Although drinking this potent combination of coffee and a trio of liqueurs didn’t elevate my financial status, I did feel somewhat better off for having sipped this piping hot delicacy.

Mint's Flaming Daisy

Don Julio tequila

Maine root ginger beer

House-made sour mix

Agave nectar

Muddled, fresh habanero for a “kick”

Garnish with candied ginger and Maldon salt.

Mint Gastropub

Our stop was Mint Gastropub, located in the Fan at 2501 W. Main St., and it could not get any cozier if they handed out comforters as you walked in the door. As bar manager, Ty Cataneo, explains, it’s not just the intimate, yet open space, along with the beautiful bar, but foremost, “it’s the warm and inviting service and the fantastic food,” that make Mint the place you’re meant to be on that next chilly evening.

Cataneo’s recommendation for your welcoming winter cocktail is the Flaming Daisy, served in one of Mint’s “redneck wine glasses." Combining tequila, Maine root ginger beer, and fresh habanera “for a kick” gives this drink a very festive feel. The candied-ginger garnish, only adds to the festivities. Cataneo recommends the Don Julio Tequila-braised short mini-ribs taco dish as a great accompaniment to the drink.

Close your eyes for a moment and picture this scene. It’s a chilly late-fall/early-winter evening. Already, a few flakes of snow have begun to dust the sidewalk. Next, imagine yourself, perhaps with that special someone, sitting in one of those cozy, little bars, enjoying a refreshing, and somewhat warming, winter cocktail.